Leave No Trace Ireland — Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors — has launched its fourth national awareness campaign urging the public to enjoy our inland waterways, coastal areas, beaches and other outdoor spaces with care and respect to protect wildlife and fragile natural ecosystems.
This year, the #LoveThisPlace campaign will feature as campaign ambassador Roz Purcell, a well-known presenter, broadcaster, content creator and founder of The Hike Life.
Members of the public will be urged to make a promise to #LoveThisPlace, confirming their love of the outdoors with simple, positive actions to protect and respect outdoor spaces.
This year’s campaign will culminate in a day of environmental action on National ‘Love This Place’ Day on Friday 28 July which coincides with World Nature Conservation Day.
Speaking at the launch of the Love This Place campaign on Tuesday (6 June), Roz Purcell said: “I’m outside quite a lot as part of my hiking community The Hike Life so I know why it’s so important to look after the outdoors.
Leave No Trace Ireland chief executive Maura Kiely with Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage | Credit: Finbarr O’Rourke
“Everyone is responsible for taking care while they’re enjoying nature. I hope you’ll all join me in making a promise to Love This Place and Leave No Trace on Friday 28 July.”
The campaign will run through June, July and August and will focus on promoting five key collective goals and simple actions for people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly:
- Keep Ireland litter-free
- Protect our wildlife
- Stick to the path to protect our land and coast
- Be responsible with our dogs
- Embrace our island and cultural heritage
The Love This Place 2023 campaign is a joint initiative with Leave No Trace Ireland's core partners including Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Rural and Community Development, Dublin City Council, Office of Public Works, Coillte and Waterways Ireland.
The campaign is also supported for the first time this year by Clare County Council, Fingal County Council, Galway County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Mayo County Council, Wicklow County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
Further information and guidance for individuals, communities and organisations is available from the Leave No Trace Ireland website.
